Memphis trips and vacations

Follow in the steps of Elvis Presley on your vacation to Memphis — from his first recording sessions at Sun Studios to his over-the-top mansion at Graceland. Learn about legendary artists like Otis Redding at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. And you can’t leave Memphis without checking out a live show or two at the legendary venues on Beale Street.

The sweet, smoky smell of barbecue alone is enough to start your holiday to Memphis off right. Sample succulent ribs and pulled pork sandwiches at local favorites like Charlie Vergos Rendezvous or smothered pork chops and fried catfish at The Four Way. If you’re in town on a Thursday afternoon, hit the downtown food trucks.

Take a break from Memphis’ music and food to explore the city’s natural side. Hike trails in Shelby Farms Park, a green space five times the size of Central Park in New York City. Rent a bicycle and explore the Wolf River Greenway. Or see native plants at the Memphis Botanic Garden and Lichterman Nature Center.

Midtown is where to stay in Memphis for easy access to culture and nature. Relax in the green spaces of Overton Park and visit its two on-site attractions — the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and the Memphis Zoo. Get tickets for a play at the Hattiloo Theater, or hear live music from national and local acts at Railgarten.

Good for: Attractions, theaters, live music

Head to East Memphis to explore the unique history and culture of the city at the Pink Palace Mansion in the Memphis Museum of Science and History. Then stroll through the grounds and art exhibits of the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, or spot birds in Audubon Park. This neighborhood also happens to be the best area to stay in Memphis for fine dining. Try Southern specialties or Italian and Mediterranean favorites.

Good for: Gardens, museums, fine dining

Harbor Town is your top spot for Mississippi River access. Browse boutiques and restaurants along the riverfront — check the menus for classic Southern soul food and barbecue dishes. Rent a bike and pedal along the Riverwalk, or take an evening stroll along the Mississippi River promenade. Stop at Greenbelt Park for a picnic with river views.

Good for: River views, shopping, restaurants

The Peabody Memphis hosts one of the most unique free things to do in Memphis — a duck parade through the hotel lobby at 11am and 5pm every day. See free concerts at the Overton Park Shell, and head to the Mississippi Riverwalk after dark to watch the LED light show on the Hernando de Soto and Harahan bridges.

Look for deals at the South Main Arts District, home to indie shops and vintage boutiques, as well as outdoor gear suppliers. Where there’s good music, there are good record stores, and Memphis is no exception. Stock up on releases from local legends and up-and-coming acts alike at vinyl shops along Beale Street.

Museums in Memphis run the gamut from the historical to the unusual. The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, the site of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., is a worthy visit. Explore Native American history at the C.H. Nash Museum Chucalissa, and leave time to poke around the Metal Museum, the only exhibit space in the country focused on metal crafts.

The nightlife in Memphis is all about the music. Every night is a party in legendary Beale Street, where you’ll find tap rooms and clubs and a whole lot of live music. For an only slightly more sedate evening, check out the offerings in Overton Square and the Cooper-Young neighborhood. Not a party animal? See what’s on at the Orpheum Theatre.

Fill your belly and your soul at the restaurants in Memphis. If you’re craving smoky pulled pork or honeyed chicken wings, you’re in luck — there are over 100 barbecue joints in Memphis. Don’t know where to start? Join the Memphis BBQ Trail. Go downtown to tuck into Southern comfort food. Or dine like ‘The King’ at The Arcade, Memphis’ oldest diner and a favorite of Elvis’.

Head to Shelby Farms Park and enjoy its 20 bodies of water. Rent kayaks and paddleboards at family-friendly Hyde Lake or pedal boats at Pine Lake. You can’t swim here, but children under 12 can cool off in the water play ‘sprayground.’ If you don’t mind an hour in the car, drive to Sardis Lake for sand and swimming.